Experience with 141 tibial lengthenings in poliomyelitis and comparison of 3 different methods
Ahmadi, B.; Akbarnia, B.A.; Ghobadi, F.; Ganjavian, M.S.; Nasseri, D.
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research 145: 150-153
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0009-921X PMID: 535265 Document Number: 152207
Three different distraction devices were investigated for the treatment of leg-length discrepancy caused by poliomyelitis in 144 patients. The average leg-length discrepancy was 5.2 cm and lengthening obtained 4.8 cm. For tibial leg-lengthening. Anderson's apparatus was used in 50 patients; an external fixator device (developed in Shafa Rehabilitation Hospital) was used in 40 patients; and the Wagner apparatus was used in 51 patients. The incidence of major complications was low in all 3 groups. The overall failure rate was 4%. There were no significant differences in the final results among the 3 groups. However, preference is given to the Wagner device because of its practical advantages.